Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the soul and brings everyone together, look no further than this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, especially on those chilly nights when all you want is something comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will leave everyone coming back for more!

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. It’s creamy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious—perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or just enjoying straight from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: Simply add everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
• Family-friendly: With tender chicken and fluffy gnocchi, even the pickiest eaters will love this dish.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance for busy days; it holds up beautifully in the fridge.
• Deliciously customizable: You can easily modify ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a breeze with these simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a role in delivering that rich, comforting flavor we all crave.

For the Soup

• 1 and 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3-4 medium whole carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1-2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 1/2 medium yellow or white onion (chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (flat or curly, chopped)
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base (optional)
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth

For Creaminess

• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch

For Gnocchi & Greens

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 3 cups baby spinach

Optional Topping

• 4 slices cooked bacon (optional for serving)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make adjustments based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option or even try turkey for a change.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of cream to reduce calories while still keeping it creamy.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.

How to Make Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. This mix of ingredients sets a delicious base full of flavor that will infuse the broth as it cooks.

Step 2: Add Stock

Next, pour in the chicken stock or broth over everything. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all those tasty bits are combined. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

When your cooking time is almost up, take off the lid and shred the chicken using two forks right inside the pot. This step is essential as shredding adds texture to your soup. If you prefer, you can remove the chicken to shred it on a cutting board—whatever works best for you!

Step 4: Whisk Together Cream Mixture

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture back into your soup along with the gnocchi and spinach. Stir well so everything is coated in that creamy goodness. Turn up the heat by setting your slow cooker to high again for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once it’s thickened up nicely after those extra minutes of cooking, taste your soup! Add any additional salt or pepper as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up those flavors perfectly before serving.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Ladle generous portions into bowls and top with crumbled bacon if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this dreamy Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup—it’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Making this soup is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavor but also add more nutrients to your soup, making it even more comforting and satisfying.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Don’t hesitate to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. A little salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can go a long way in enhancing the soup’s overall flavor.

• Experiment with gnocchi types: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different kinds of gnocchi! Sweet potato or even whole grain gnocchi can add unique flavors and textures to your soup.

• Add extra veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and variety. Just chop them up and toss them in at the beginning with the other ingredients.

• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day! Consider making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this delightful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Cracked black pepper: A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious broth!
• Garden salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
• Garlic breadsticks: These are an irresistible pairing! Their buttery garlic flavor complements the creamy soup beautifully.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add a hearty side that pairs nicely with the flavors of this comforting soup while providing extra nutrients.

Enjoy your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup with these simple serving suggestions, and watch how it warms hearts around your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious, comforting soup ready to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to label your container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the soup cool down and then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the containers for expansion as it freezes.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use a microwave-safe container to defrost in short bursts.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If needed, add a splash of broth or water during reheating to adjust consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup!

Can I use frozen chicken in my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Yes! You can add frozen chicken directly into your slow cooker. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour for best results.

What can I substitute for gnocchi in Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

If you’re looking for a different option, try small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as these may cook faster than gnocchi.

How do I thicken my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

You can mix additional cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup toward the end of cooking. Let it simmer a bit longer for the best thickening effect.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe is bound to be a favorite. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I can’t wait for you to taste its creamy goodness!